(Motorsports news) After battling to maintain the “capricious beast” that is the W14 within its narrow operational window, Mercedes has stated that it will move away from its’size-zero’ sidepods architecture in 2024 to deliver a new automobile idea.
However, with new engine rules (which eliminate the expensive and complex Motor Generator Unit – Heat) set to take effect in 2026, as well as a shift to active aerodynamics, for which research and development will be required, the 2025 cars are expected to be evolutionary “close cousins” of what hits the track next year.
As a result, Allison believes teams should put even more attention on a successful start to 2024 because it will impact the next design. When asked if he agreed with Lewis Hamilton’s recent statement that the next six months are essential if Mercedes to reclaim the constructors’ championship, he answered, “It’ll be a different car for one thing.” As a result, we will not be dealing with this one.
“Mercedes’ Lewis is accurate in two ways: it’s a new season, and it’s critical that we start off on the right foot. “But more than average because, with 2026 fast approaching, that car will need to be engineered in 2025. It’s very likely that the 2025 cars will be close relatives of the 2024 cars.” So it’s even more critical to get the 2024 car right.”
Allison also predicted that Mercedes would not have to wait long to find out how its 2024 will look. Based on his experience, he believes that initial driver feedback during the first laps of testing is frequently a reasonably accurate predictor of how the entire season would go.
“Over the years, most of the good cars that I’ve been lucky enough to be around while they happened, the driver gets in and doesn’t exactly say, ‘Spend your bonus,’ but they pretty much do,” he said. “Unlocking potential isn’t something that takes long if the car is well-born.” That will be the goal of this one.
Allison went on to say: “It’s not particular to us but it does sharpen your focus, wanting to make sure that we have a car that gives us a good run in to 2026 as well as good championships and the fun that that brings.”
Also read: Horner: Ricciardo was “right to miss” due to injury. Qatar Grand Prix
